MidLife Crisis = 1986 524td

[Tillyoucant]

I had heart failure in May of 2024 which also led to lung, liver and gallbladder failure. The past 7 months have been eye opening to say the least. I’m finally to the point where I’ve accepted things as they now are and just want to live life to the absolute fullest, which meant it was time to finally stop making excuses and just buy my dream car - a 524td. 

Found one while I was visiting Escondido over the holidays, took it for a quick spin and knew it was the one. I’ve got the deposit down and now it’s time to bring it home, which is all the way out in Salt Lake City Utah. 

It’s at about 175000 miles, has a leaking radiator and original timing belt. I’m at the crossroads of having La Jolla Independent BMW Service replace the timing belt and radiator so that I can fly out and drive it home to Utah or simply put on a car transport and work on it in the spring. 

Maybe it’s the fact that life is a bit more tangible now but deep down I really want to drive it home. 

If anyone here has had work done by La Jolla Independent or has a recommendation for anyone else in the area who would do a good job please let me know!

As they say “life’s too short, buy the classic”

[MLastovo]

Hello
Congrats on the purchase you wanted not the car you needed. Those are the best acquisitions.

Carl at La Jolla KNOWS these cars and will get the car in good nick. A timing belt and radiator R&R is nothing complicated and will include all the “while you are in there” items. What it won’t address is the glass jaw of upper and lower control arms, tie rods and all the other bushings and such that are probably due for R&R as well. You did drive the car so you may be good to go but be prepared for supporting evidence recommending replacement.

On a related note, how about this; have Carl go through the car and get it ready for the trip North. When done leave it behind the gate alongside my house in San Diego until spring and then come and collect it. Great plan! This way you can attend the must-attend event in March at my house. Follow the General Conversation section of this board for an upcoming post from Chris with the details.

And finally, even if you don’t attend, please bounce here viewtopic.php?t=162342 and vote so Vince has a fighting chance this year with shirts. (And Rich, but he has opted to be more of a silent partner… Hi Rich!)

r/
Darin

[328dabi]

Congrats on the new car. I’m on the east coat so can’t really contribute in regard to having your car serviced. I’m glad you bought it and I hope it brings you many smiles. I do suggest having it serviced and driving it home as opposed to trailering it and having it serviced locally. That’s what I’d want to do anyway. 

cheers. 

[Tillyoucant]

Hello
Congrats on the purchase you wanted not the car you needed. Those are the best acquisitions.

Carl at La Jolla KNOWS these cars and will get the car in good nick. A timing belt and radiator R&R is nothing complicated and will include all the “while you are in there” items. What it won’t address is the glass jaw of upper and lower control arms, tie rods and all the other bushings and such that are probably due for R&R as well. You did drive the car so you may be good to go but be prepared for supporting evidence recommending replacement.

On a related note, how about this; have Carl go through the car and get it ready for the trip North. When done leave it behind the gate alongside my house in San Diego until spring and then come and collect it. Great plan! This way you can attend the must-attend event in March at my house. Follow the General Conversation section of this board for an upcoming post from Chris with the details.

And finally, even if you don’t attend, please bounce here viewtopic.php?t=162342 and vote so Vince has a fighting chance this year with shirts. (And Rich, but he has opted to be more of a silent partner… Hi Rich!)

r/
Darin

Hey Darin!

That is really kind of you to offer and I appreciate the guidance. Unfortunately I have a fishing trip already booked for that weekend, otherwise I’d be there! I’ll make an effort to be there next year and will take the time to vote on this years T-shirt.

If your offer still stands to keep the car there until the spring then I’ll gladly accept and move forward with having Carl do the needed work on it. Let me know your thoughts!

[Tillyoucant]

Congrats on the new car. I’m on the east coat so can’t really contribute in regard to having your car serviced. I’m glad you bought it and I hope it brings you many smiles. I do suggest having it serviced and driving it home as opposed to trailering it and having it serviced locally. That’s what I’d want to do anyway. 

cheers. 

Thank you! That drive home sure does sound worth it. If I can make it work I think that’s what I’ll end up doing, lifes short! 

[MLastovo]

Hey Darin!

That is really kind of you to offer and I appreciate the guidance. Unfortunately I have a fishing trip already booked for that weekend, otherwise I’d be there! I’ll make an effort to be there next year and will take the time to vote on this years T-shirt.

If your offer still stands to keep the car there until the spring then I’ll gladly accept and move forward with having Carl do the needed work on it. Let me know your thoughts!

 

 

Hello,
Sorry you can’t make the party and no problem keeping the car here. I’ll work the logistics with Carl.
Incoming PM.

D.

[Mike W.]

These are both good people.  I've known Darin, lightly, for 20 years now and been to his house a number of times, he's very supportive of the community.  He had his own serious health issues a couple of years ago but seems well now.  Car at La Jolla has been in business a long time, is knowledgeable, I've met him a couple of times and talked BMWs with him, and others speak highly of him.  Actually almost glowingly.  No idea on his prices, but breaking down on the road is a nightmare and expensive.  Never had him do anything for me, but I'm 600 miles away in Northern Calif and do all my own stuff anyway.

Obviously easy for me to say, but I would trust either or both of them.

Kudos on what I hope is a full recovery from a bunch of crap, keep on keepin' on!

[gadget73]

I'll suggest a water pump if the radiator and timing belt are being done.  Its not strictly necessary to remove the timing belt to do the water pump on these, but one of the bolts is partly blocked by the belt, so its definitely easier to do while its off.  Pumps are not expensive and its a very simple job if the belt is off and the cooling system is drained anyway. 

Might be worth having the valve lash checked/adjusted too.  Similar reasoning, the valve cover is already off, so may as well. 

[Galahad]

Just something to note - the oil sprayer bar can get clogged on these and destroy the camshaft, have Carl clean it out. 

[1st 5er]

Congrats on the acquisition. 
Critical component, heart, failure, I can attest to, will certainly wake you up and offer good reason to "enjoy the ride".